Voice virtual private network

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include a Voice Virtual Private Network (Voice VPN) and methods for providing access to remote peer users across same. In one embodiment, voice and communication services of one or more corporate network are provided to remote user terminals across a Voice VPN Gateway. The level and type of access to voice and communication services provided can be determined statically, dynamically, or adaptively based on user data or user habits or history.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]This invention relates generally to telecommunications, more specifically, to a Voice Virtual Private Network (Voice VPN) to provide secure access to corporate voice and communications functionalities for corporate users.[0003]2. Related Art[0004]The era of Private Branch Exchange (PBX) arrived in 1976 when AT&T introduced its System 75 all digital switch for business. In a few years, PBXs quickly replaced WATS and Centrex as the voice communications of choice for corporations, improving business efficiency and productivity. In the ensuing years, PBX remains the flagship, and perhaps the only infrastructure with which corporate voice communications are provided. During this time, emerging technologies, particularly the 800-number service and Call Center have enhanced the capabilities of PBX, extending its reach, and creating new business opportunities.[0005]After three decades of dominance in the corporate world however, a significant transformation of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides methods for setting up, accessing, and terminating services of a Voice VPN. The Voice VPN Gateway acts as an interface between a Corporate User Terminal and Corporate Voice and Communication Service Servers for providing voice and communication services to a corporate user. The Voice VPN can facilitate calls and other services between remote peer parties who can be corporate voice service users inside the realm of the corporate voice network, other Voice VPN users, users connected to the corporate network via other networks such as PSTN or any combination thereof."

Problems solved by technology

These enhancements however, are limited to corporate users who are within the realm of the corporate networks.

Secure and ubiquitous extension of these services to remote corporate users is either impossible or infeasible because the supporting infrastructures or apparatus simply do not exist.

After a successful call transfer however, the engineer who receives the call has no reliable way to authenticate the caller and therefore may not feel comfortable disclosing the sensitive or proprietary information needed by the salesperson to make the sale.

In addition to complexity of making the telephone call to join the teleconference, the billing and possible reimbursement can also be complicated.

Such solutions often require extensive development and support and are probably not feasible for massive deployment.

While he can establish a data connection from his PC to the corporate VPN over the Internet to retrieve company information, he is unable to reach the corporate voice service.

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